After rejection by the California Coastal Commission and the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2010, the Orange County Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) is desperately trying to construct the road in segments.

The proposed Foothill toll road would run through San Onofre State Beach, the Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy, and some of the most pristine wildlands in Southern California, including habitat for several endangered species. It would also jeopardize the surf at famous Trestles Beach. No wonder past Coastal Commission Director Peter Douglas said that he knew of no other project “so demonstrably inconsistent with the law.” EHL and our allies in the Save San Onofre Coalition had put forward alternatives to relieving future congestion on Interstate 5, and in upholding the Coastal Commission’s decision on appeal, the Department of Commerce also identified alternatives.

The financially troubled and "single purpose" Orange County toll road agency will not give up, though. It has proposed to construct the northern 5 miles of the road, deemed the “Tesoro Extension,” dumping traffic in San Juan Capistrano at a temporary intersection. This portion alone has major environmental impacts and if constructed would build momentum for completion through San Onofre State Beach or through Camp Pendleton, another very bad option. Despite the obvious segmentation of a larger project, the toll road agency claims the extension has “independent utility.” The Save San Onofre Coalition is gearing up for lengthy court battles until such time as the wisdom of arterial and freeway improvements carries the day.